1910.215(d)(1): Ring Test Before Mounting Grinding Wheels
Users must closely inspect and sound (ring test) every abrasive wheel right before mounting to make sure it was not damaged in transit, storage or otherwise. The spindle speed must be checked so it does not exceed the wheel's marked maximum operating speed, and wheels that sound cracked (dead) must not be used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.215(d)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $17,147 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (3), AZ (1), NV (1).
- Related part: 1910.215(d) Mounting (41 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.215(d)(1) ("Inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Inspection. Immediately before mounting, all wheels shall be closely inspected and sounded by the user (ring test) to make sure they have not been damaged in transit, storage, or otherwise. The spindle speed of the machine shall be checked before mounting of the wheel to be certain that it does not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel. Wheels should be tapped gently with a light nonmetallic implement, such as the handle of a screwdriver for light wheels, or a wooden mallet for heavier wheels. If they sound cracked (dead), they shall not be used. This is known as the “Ring Test”. 13 citations
(i) Wheels must be dry and free from sawdust when applying the ring test, otherwise the sound will be deadened. It should also be noted that organic bonded wheels do not emit the same clear metallic ring as do vitrified and silicate wheels.
(ii) “Tap” wheels about 45° each side of the vertical centerline and about 1 or 2 inches from the periphery as indicated by the spots in Figure O-25 and Figure O-26. Then rotate the wheel 45° and repeat the test. A sound and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone. If cracked, there will be a dead sound and not a clear “ring.”
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.215.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.215(d)(1).
At 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 2024, two employees (Employee #1 and Employee #2) were setting up the site to create another stack of steel pipes (30 inches in diameter by 40 feet long, weighing over 2,000 pounds each.) The employees removed the chock block…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: PA (3), AZ (1), NV (1), MS (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TALLADEGA FOUNDRY & MACHINE CO., INC. | TALLADEGA, AL | $8,441 |
| CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC | RENO, NV | $4,148 |
| INDUSTRIAL SALES & MANUFACTURING, INC. | ERIE, PA | $4,000 |
| ARCH CUTTING TOOLS-RHODE ISLAND, LLC | LINCOLN, RI | $558 |
| CPX2023XMB431X0013 - FABCO ENTERPRISES, INC. DBA FAMILY AUTO BODY & REFINISHING | TUCSON, AZ | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.215(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.215(d)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.215(d) Mounting 41 citations
- 1910.215(d)(3) Surface condition 28 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ring test?
Gently tapping the wheel with a light nonmetallic tool and listening; a sound wheel gives a clear metallic tone, and a cracked one sounds dead.
What must be checked besides the wheel itself?
The machine's spindle speed, so it does not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
Does the wheel need to be dry for the ring test?
Yes. Wheels must be dry and free from sawdust, or the sound will be deadened.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.215 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.